News from HHLT: February 2025 | |
|
Dear friends,
As February settles in and seasonal snow flurries replace the bitter cold of January, I'm reminded of the incredible responsibility and privilege we share as stewards of this magnificent landscape.
HHLT's dedicated staff has been busy this winter, preparing for spring projects while continuing our year-round work of caring for the lands you help us conserve. Every acre HHLT protects and every trail we maintain ensure people from all walks of life and future generations can experience the same connections to nature we are fortunate to have.
During this winter season, I encourage you to get outdoors and experience the Hudson Valley's winter wonderlands. There's no better way to appreciate the region's natural beauty than to experience it firsthand. However, please always be safe when enjoying the outdoors and consider trail/weather conditions.
Also, we'd love for you to join us at Humble Bee Hollow on March 22 for a Forest Therapy Workshop - registration is required (see below).
Thank you for being part of our conservation community and for your continued commitment to conserving and caring for the Hudson Highlands.
Warmly,
| |
Katrina Shindledecker, Executive Director
Hudson Highlands Land Trust
| To register for the March 22 Forest Therapy Workshop at Humble Bee Hollow, please click HERE. We look forward to seeing you there! | |
Grab your binoculars and visit your local parks for eagle sightings! | Your furry friends are welcome at HHLT preserves following leash rules. | |
Removal of pre-existing rundown structures. | |
|
HHLT is proud to announce the successful remediation and expansion of a 118-acre conserved property on Old Albany Post Road. In late 2024, we began an extensive cleanup effort to remove more than 30 dilapidated cabins, outhouses, accessory structures, and docks on the property to reduce safety hazards and restore the surrounding habitat. These long-abandoned structures—filled with deteriorating furniture, broken glass, and mold—posed risks to both people and the environment in an otherwise thriving woodland surrounding a pristine lake. Their removal enhances the natural beauty of the land while improving wildlife habitat.
This conservation area was recently expanded thanks to a neighbor's generous donation of 32 acres. This addition strengthens regional conservation efforts and furthers our goal to connect open spaces and protect wildlife corridors, ensuring that local species can safely navigate between habitats, promoting biodiversity, and supporting the resilience of our natural world. To protect sensitive natural resources, this area is not open to the public. Long-term conservation strategies are currently being evaluated to ensure its permanent protection as an ecologically significant landscape.
| | | |
|
Help Amphibians Cross the Road to Find Their Wetlands!
This spring, watch for HHLT staff and volunteers in yellow safety vests along local roadways, helping amphibians migrate from winter hibernation areas to wetland breeding grounds as part of the Amphibian Migrations & Road Crossings Project.
Wetlands are environmental powerhouses, storing more carbon than any ecosystem on Earth and housing 40% of global species. A single acre filters 1.5 million gallons of floodwater while protecting communities from storms and erosion. New York recently strengthened wetland protections, no longer requiring state mapping for protection. By 2028, wetlands as small as 7.4 acres will be protected statewide.
Thank you to our dedicated volunteers who participated in the Road Crossings Project—last spring, 24 volunteers helped 820 amphibians of seven different species safely cross roads. This work provides vital data on wetland ecosystem health while supporting the Hudson River Estuary Program's conservation goals.
You can learn how to help amphibians get across local roads safely. Visit DEC's Amphibian Migrations & Road Crossings Resource Page to learn more. And:
If you are interested in volunteering with us this spring to help amphibians cross our local roads during Big Night, click here to contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Nadia Azizi.
| | |
Public Policy Corner: Ted Goes to Albany to Advocate! | |
|
You can also advocate for strong EPF funding! Call Gov. Hochul’s office at 1.518.474.8390; visit
her contact page online at www.governor.ny.gov; or send a letter to: The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York State, NYS State Capitol Building, Albany, NY 12224
| |
|
During this year's budget season, HHLT's Public Policy Manager, Ted Warren, will travel to Albany and Washington, DC to champion environmental conservation. On Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) Lobby Day, Ted will join advocates to urge elected officials to increase the EPF from $400 million to $500 million, in support of land/farmland, conservation, water quality protections and improvements, climate-smart community projects, municipal recycling and food waste programs, and much more.
Ted's advocacy extends beyond EPF funding. This spring, he'll participate in Hudson River Advocacy Day, Parks Advocacy Day, and the Land Trust Alliance Advocacy Days; meeting with elected officials and land trust partners to discuss policies that advance state and federal conservation goals. Key federal legislation for the Highlands Region includes the Highlands Conservation Act and the NY-NJ Watershed Act, which aim to protect clean water access, preserve wildlife habitats, reduce flood risk, and build climate resiliency.
HHLT's advocacy focuses on supporting funding and legislation to better protect vital habitat, clean water, and recreational opportunities. These efforts help preserve our region's valuable natural resources and encourage sustainable growth in order to strengthen climate resilience for future generations.
| | | |
|
Click on the links below for more information about these upcoming events.
Note: An asterisk (*) indicates pre-registration or tickets are required.
| |
|
Fjord Trail Public Comment Period Extended
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation is currently accepting public comments on the Fjord Trail Draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement until March 4, 2025. The document is available for review here.
For additional information and to access recordings from the January public meetings, click here.
| | | |
|
HHLT conserves and cares for the lands and waters of the Hudson Highlands,
so that people and nature can flourish together for generations to come.
You make our work possible. Thank you for your support!
| |
|
Photo credits, top to bottom: Christine Ashburn (sledding, Winter Hill); Richard Lee (eagle); HHLT staff (Katrina & Zen); HHLT staff (conserved land & demolition photos);
AM&RC Project Volunteers (project participation); HHLT staff (Edward "Ted" Warren).
Hudson Highlands Land Trust
20 Nazareth Way, P.O. Box 226, Garrison, NY 10524
(845) 424-3358
info@hhlt.org
www.hhlt.org
| | | | |
